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Positive economic news continues to pour out of the San Jose area. No better proof are reports from the City of San Jose revealing the addition of 9,000 new businesses from the previous year and they are anticipating many more new businesses this year. But in order to compete, award-winning Bay Area marketing consultant Debbie Lamb believes having an online presence is a major factor in helping businesses succeed. With a long career in business and management, she shares some personal background and other career advice for small business owners.

(Photo Courtesy of Debbie Lamb)

What is your current title and name of your small business?

“I am the marketing consultant and owner of Lamb Consulting, a marketing, advertising and design firm. I have a B.A. in public relations/communications from the University of Toledo.”

Please tell us about your business.

“I provide marketing and website design services primarily for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Most of my clients are in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay areas. I have a wide variety of clients including a high-end Asian antiques store, a home cleaning service, pet sitting service, orthodontist, chiropractor, florist, etc. They are all very different but they have one thing in common – they all own a small business or organization and want professional guidance.”

What other positions have you held?

“I have been running my own marketing firm for nine years. Previously I served as the senior marketing director for Comcast’s advertising sales division and a promotions director for a radio station in Washington D.C.”

What advice can you offer for people interested in starting their own small business?

“My most basic advice is for folks to get a website and focus on getting found via Google’s search engine. There are so many simple web platforms out there now, that most small businesses aren’t even aware that they could probably do most of it themselves. They simply don’t have the time. Second, I tell all of my clients that after they have their website up, they should begin doing some online advertising – even if its only $100/month. Online ads are so much cheaper than any other medium but it does take time and a little bit of focus.”

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com.